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Vitamins for dandruff

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The process of epidermis renewal is constant: cells are formed in the basal layer, age, dry out on the skin surface and peel off, and new ones are formed in their place. The entire cycle is 25-30 days. If it is disrupted for any reason, the cyclicity accelerates to 7-10 days, which manifests itself in abundant peeling of the scalp - the appearance of dandruff. One of the factors contributing to this development of events is a lack of vitamins. What vitamins should be taken for dandruff?

Indications dandruff vitamins

In case of vitamin deficiency, external hair care products alone are not enough, as they only wash away the external manifestations of seborrhea. Indications for the use of vitamins are:

  • dry dandruff, formed as a result of reduced sebum secretion, hair is dry and brittle. Most often, this occurs as a result of the activation of the fungus due to decreased immunity against the background of a lack of vitamins necessary for full metabolism;
  • oily dandruff, indicating that the sebaceous glands are too active. The hair quickly acquires a greasy, unkempt appearance, and yellowish, sticky flakes appear at the base. Diet, including fiber-rich foods and vitamins in the diet, helps to improve intradermal processes.

Release form

Curls can be nourished with vitamins both from the inside and from the outside. For this, different forms of their release are used. Tablets and capsules are taken internally. But vitamins in ampoules can be administered intramuscularly, as well as rubbed into the scalp for dandruff, to enhance growth, strengthen hair follicles, as well as the contents of capsules.

What vitamins can be used for dandruff? A very important vitamin for hair, without which it becomes brittle, dry, there is constant peeling of the skin, the presence of numerous flakes in the strands, on clothes, is vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). [ 1 ]

Another essential component for healthy hair and the entire body is vitamin E (tocopherol). [ 2 ], [ 3 ] Vitamin A also has a beneficial effect on normalizing the functions of the sebaceous glands, [ 4 ], [ 5 ] B2 strengthens the immune system, [ 6 ] B12 improves blood circulation in the hair follicles, [ 7 ], [ 8 ] D nourishes and moisturizes the skin, has a disinfectant effect. [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Pharmacodynamics

Vitamin B6 takes part in protein synthesis (affects the formation of more than 60 enzymes), amino acid metabolism. It is necessary in the processes of hematopoiesis, without it the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system is impossible. By activating the metabolism in the skin, which is important for hair, it returns them to a normal state.

Vitamin E is fat-soluble, has an antioxidant and radioprotective effect, improves tissue oxygenation, stimulates immunity, and the formation of new capillaries.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, pyridoxine is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, accumulates in the liver, where it is converted. It is excreted in the urine as metabolites. It is detected in blood plasma for up to 20 days.

Vitamin E enters the blood after absorption in the intestine and accumulates in the liver, fatty tissues, muscles. It leaves the body partly with bile, but mainly through the kidneys.

Dosing and administration

Pyridoxine for hair problems is usually prescribed 1 tablet per day. The dose of the drug in the form of injections is 0.05-0.1 g for adults, 0.02 g for children. The course of treatment is 2-4 weeks.

For skin diseases, it is recommended to take tocopherol 100-200 mg 1-2 times a day for a course of 20-40 days. The dose for children is determined by the doctor in each specific case.

  • Application for children

Pyridoxine is prescribed to children from 3 years of age. Tocopherol is indicated even for newborns, premature babies with low body weight. Moreover, it can be used at that childhood age when problems with hair appear (most often during puberty).

Use dandruff vitamins during pregnancy

Vitamin B6 can be used internally during pregnancy, but with the permission of a doctor. It is best to use it externally during this period.

Vitamin E is not contraindicated during pregnancy and even on the contrary, it has a beneficial effect on the health of both mother and baby. It is needed by any pregnant woman in all trimesters, except for individual cases determined by contraindications.

Contraindications

Vitamin B6 can be rubbed into hair without any health restrictions, but internal use is limited due to peptic ulcer disease, since it increases stomach acidity, severe liver pathologies, and ischemic heart disease.

Vitamin E also has its own contraindications, including myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis, hypervitaminosis E, and hypersensitivity to the drug.

Side effects dandruff vitamins

Vitamin B6 can cause side effects when taken in overdose, which can include allergic reactions and damage to peripheral nerves.

Tocopherol increases the risk of blood clots, cholesterol concentrations, and also affects blood clotting.

Overdose

High doses of vitamin E (400-800 mg daily for a long period) can cause headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, weakness and fatigue, cramps and stomach pain.

Interactions with other drugs

Vitamin B6 enhances the effect of diuretics, oral contraceptives and estrogens require an increased dose of pyridoxine, and simultaneous use with corticosteroids, cyclosporine, penicillamine can lead to anemia.

Vitamin E is not used simultaneously with iron, silver, indirect anticoagulants, and alkaline agents. It reduces the toxicity of cardiac glycosides and increases the effectiveness of antiepileptic, steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Storage conditions

Vitamins B6, E are stored in the original packaging, in a darkened room with a temperature in the range of 15-25ºС.

Shelf life

Vitamin B6 has a shelf life of 3 years from the date of production, vitamin E – 2 years.

Analogues

Vitamin B6 in its pure form can be replaced by analogues - complex preparations that contain it: Actival, Bonavit, Vitrum, Jungle, Magvit, Multimax, Pikovit and many others.

Tocopherols are rarely found in vitamin-mineral complexes. Among the existing ones, the best are MRM Complete E, Jarrow Formulas, Famil-E, Dr. Mercola, Vitamin (USA), containing a mixture of tocopherols (there are 8 types in total), Doppelherz Vitamin E Forte (Germany), DHC, Vitamin E (Japan).

Reviews

People who use vitamins B6 and E to improve the condition of their hair and get rid of dandruff speak positively of their effect on the regeneration of scalp cells. However, they still recommend not to self-medicate, but to discuss the problem with a trichologist, because it may not be due to a lack of vitamins.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Vitamins for dandruff" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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